Beam up one of the most exciting science-fiction adventures of the month, Beyond the Trek available September 5 from Screen Media. We had an opportunity to speak with Ian Truitner. He talks about his love for science, science fiction and wanting to show the classic side of sci-fi.
Thank you for granting the interview, Ian! We are excited for “Beyond the Trek.” We’re huge sci-fi fans. What inspired the script?
The plot of Beyond the Trek is based on the first screenplay I ever wrote back in college, but the unique twists came from separate articles I read in 2013 about space travel and human genetic modification. One article was about the primary problem with long-term space travel is the psychological and physiological effects on the human body. The second article was about how scientists are conducting tests to alter humans in vitro, with the expected result of the first crop of elevated IQ ‘superbrain’ babies being born in or around 2020. If they can make babies smarter, they could also make them better fit for long term space travel. I mean, messing with human DNA, what could possibly go wrong?
The film has that classic sci-fi feel. “Babylon 5” springs to mind. Was it your intent to capture that feeling of true space exploration?
Yes, it was our intent to create an immersive world within the means we had that explored themes as relevant today as they will be in the future. Babylon 5 set a high bar for that, so the comparison is certainly welcome.
Five genetically engineered “perfect” humans are sent on a rescue mission. This has been the theme in recent films and television shows – that search for perfection. How has society and scientific breakthroughs influenced the script?
There have been some great films that have explored the concept of technology as the driver in pursuit of human perfection. On the artificial intelligence side we’ve had Blade Runner and Battlestar Galactica, and on the genetic modification side, we’ve had Gattaca. Beyond the Trek is the first film to explore both in the same storyline while exploring the inevitable hierarchy that would arise of out it.
You focused on the story and characters. You didn’t use visual effects that would take away from the story. How important was it to show realism?
Beyond the Trek was intended to be a commercially viable film that appealed to Sci-Fi audiences, but at the independent level. It’s very difficult to get new concept done at big studios that are more interested in producing lower-risk derivative work. Beyond the Trek is inspired more by the classics, like Blade Runner, 2001 and as you point out, Babylon 5 more than more recent Sci-Fi. I prefer the days when spectacle and special effects were enhancements to a good story, rather than as a crutch just to keep your attention.
Thus far, the film has won at least nine major film awards, including Best Feature Films at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and Best Sci-Fi Feature at the New York Science Fiction Film Festival. That is awesome! It’s well-received. What would you like to see happen next?
We’ve been very happy to have the film be so well received at festivals and with audiences, and critical reviews have been very positive as well. Beyond the Trek has been released in Europe and Asia, and now that it’s available in the U.S. I’m excited to see how people respond. I feel it plays very well to fans of Sci-Fi.
What should the audience expect when they watch the film?
Thought-provoking stylish Sci-Fi that’s well acted, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
When will it be released and where can people see the film?
It’s available now on VOD (iTunes, VUDU), and Walmart. It will be released on all platforms in November. Go check it out now!
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
If you dig the film, go give us a review or rating on IMDb.
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/6pXwdsSNQOY”]
Connect with Ian:
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0874164/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iantruitner
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